• 06
  • March
    2012

If asked, many people would conclude that more men get pulled over or charged with driving under the influence than women. And, a poll conducted by AAA Consumer Pulse, seems to prove this conclusion is pretty accurate. However, the FBI indicates that, in today's 21 century, this theory may not hold true for long.

In 2010, the number of women who received a DUI charge increased 36 percent from 2001 and DUI charges for men decreased 10 percent over that same period.

The latest information points to a number of potential reasons for the change including:

  • Greater social acceptance: According to the AAA's Consumer Pulse survey, it's more accepting in society for women to consume alcohol than ever before. Nearly 80 percent of those surveyed agree that it's more acceptable for women to drink today than 20 years ago.
  • More women-catered accommodations: Many establishments today offer women-only happy hours or happy hours that are centered around cocktails or drinks more traditionally consumed by women.
  • Increased pressure: Seemingly, it's become more and more accepted to serve and drink alcoholic beverages at social or even work gatherings.
  • Differences in alcohol digestion: Genetically, women's genetic make-up is simply different than men. Women tend to be smaller in size, tend to have more body fat than the average male and have different hormone levels that can all cause faster intoxication. One margarita consumed over a two hour period can easily cause an average female to reach the 0.08 BAC limit-an amount many would be surprised to know.

Together with strict BAC requirements, these factors seemingly point to the increase in DUI arrests among women over the last decade.

It remains to be seen whether or not women will ever surpass men in DUI charges in California and elsewhere around the country. However, everyone-male and female-should understand that the penalties both direct and indirect that result from DUI can be harsh.

Source: http://westorlandonews.com/2012/01/30/aaa-more-women-driving-drunk/